There is a small museum in what used to be the French Governor’s residence overlooking the main bay. Its four rooms cover the islands’ history, most of which centres upon the penal colony. The first room contains general information about the archipelago. The second is called ‘Hell on Earth’. On its walls are faded photographs, illustrations and paintings depicting the inhuman treatment meted out by their gaolers.
Under the French, there was some semblance of order and control. Prisoners incarcerated for relatively minor offences could gain privileges for co-operation and be released to the mainland. Under the Saigon regime, prisoners were treated even more brutally. Pictures of the comfortable life of the prison administrators and their guests contrast eerily with the squalor of the inmates. Various artefacts, memorabilia and examples of the instruments of torture are on display – particularly poignant are fragments of paper weapons and costumes made by inmates as props for New Year celebration performances.
The third room has a wall of photographs of prominent Vietnamese agitators and revolutionaries who underwent slow execution in the tiger cages, and other prisoners who served time and later rose to prominence after liberation. There is also a display of makeshift weapons. The final room depicts the years since liberation.
The museum arranges a tour of the complex with a guide. However, the level of English spoken is low, so patience and a phrase book are necessary. The tour should take a couple of hours.
The main island offers good camping, hiking and trekking opportunities – the National Park Headquarters on the outskirts of the town can provide you with information about suitable trails and paths. There are no organised water sports, but there are opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling. The Diving Centre is located on the seafront. Services are limited at present, but the centre should be in full operation later this year. Boat services are a bit problematic at present, but should improve soon.
There are some good beaches on Con Son. Some can be reached on foot, but the better locations involve a long hike or hiring a motorbike. There are many secluded beaches on the on the other islands.
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